Letter: Taming tyrants

Sir: I believe the British and US bombing of Iraq has been unethical and ineffective in its objectives. Saddam is a vicious ruler, but how can ordinary Iraqis in a weakened state do anything to change their rulers?

If sanctions against Iraq were lifted, Saddam would no longer be able to use the fact that sanctions imposed by the West are stopping sufficient imports of food and medicine. Thirty per cent of the money received from the sale of oil has to be paid to creditors, not used to buy food. Why not let the Iraqis sell as much oil as they wish and import anything except armaments?

The Iraqi government would no longer have any excuse for refusing entry to Unscom inspectors.

JOAN HUGHES

London N16